medal

An 1855 Crimea War medal of metal with pin soldered onto back. Flags and cannon on front.

Size

D-35mm

Object Registration

306

Keywords

medal numismatics military crimea

Historical information

The Turkish Crimean War medal is a campaign medal issued by Sultan Abdülmecid I of the Ottoman Empire to allied military personnel involved in the Crimean War of 1854-56. There are three different issues of this medal for those issued to British, French or Sardinian personnel.

weather records

A large sheet of lined card with a printed alphabetical list of South Australian towns and hand-written details of wind direction and force. Beside each is a remark.

Historical information

Charles Todd was one of the pioneers of meteorology in Australasia. Sir Charles Todd (1826-1910) was an astronomer, meteorologist and electrical engineer. Much of the history of astronomy, meteorology and telegraphs in South Australia is contained in his reports to parliament between 1856 and 1900.

Significance

program

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A very old program from the Richmond Company at the Theatre Hampton-Wick. It is white with black print. There are two performances - First Love and The Agreeable Surprise. There is a cast list for each.

Historical information

The theatre itself was located in a barn close to the village pond. Its location is indicated on the attached 1827 map of Hampton Wick and the Swan arrowed where tickets were to be had. The picture of Ye Swan around 1900 is probably not too dissimilar to how it would have looked in 1797.
One of the regular patrons at the theatre is believed to have been William, Duke of Clarence (later King William IV, uncle of Queen Victoria). The Duke lived in Bushy House about a mile away from the village and was a known devotee of theatrical entertainments. The theatre had disappeared by 1865. It would have been a touring company who were playing on the night of 3 October 1797. ( information from Ray Elmitt Hampton Wick )

Significance

In England the 18th century saw the flourishing of theatre as a popular pastime. Many theatres were enlarged and new playhouses built in London and the provinces.
This item was kept as a souvenir / memento and brought to Australia by an early settler.

certificate

A white paper licence certificate No. 182 made out to Samuel Richardson & Son for the purpose of a Saw Mill. It was to cost ten pounds per annum. Print is black and details are hand-written.

Historical information

From the THE LAND ACT 1884.-REGULATIONS:
"Any person duly licensed under section 93 of The Land Act 1884 to cut and take away any live or dead timber on Crown lands, and any person specially licensed in that behalf by the Governor in Council, may at all times enter upon the said land and therefrom cut and take away live or dead timber. "

Significance

The Richardson family was one of the very early settler families to establish themselves in the Orbost district. Samuel Richardson was builder of the Paddle Steamer Curlip.

certificate

A white paper certificate of conveyance with black print and hand-written details from George Beattie to Peter Smith. There is a wax seal on the second page.

Historical information

There is a record in the Mount Alexander Mail, dated Wed. 22 April 1857, of George Beattie purchasing land for three pounds, sixteen and sixpence in Castlemaine and that it was withdrawn. Records also show that a Peter and Thomas Smith farmed in Sandon near Castlemaine.

Significance

certificate

A white paper certificate with black print and hand-written details. at the top is the British coat-of-arms. It is an elector's right certificate made out to Samuel richardson.

Historical information

This Elector's Right Certificate, No. 206179, is for Samuel Richardson, a sawyer, who lived at Bullarook in the Ballarat East Division. It has been signed by W. Cantwell, the registrar and by Samuel Richardson. As a resident and a male he was entitled to vote in the Ballarat East Division at Victorian State elections.
Samuel Richardson was a sawmiller and farmer in Orbost. He built The Curlip, a wooden paddle-steamer of 9 tons gross and dimensions of 43 feet long, 10 feet wide and a depth of 3 feet, on the slipway at their
Tabarra sawmill in 1890.

Significance

This item is associated with the Richardson family, early Orbost pioneers,

certificate

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A paper passenger certificate for a river steam ship.Details are handwritten in black and red ink.

Historical information

This certificate was issued on January 30, 1903 to Captain Alan Richardson by the Marine Board of Victoria entitling her to carry 25 passengers and only 10 passengers when engaged in towage service. Two children under 12 years of age to be reckoned as one passenger. The penalty of 20 pounds would be levied if these limits were exceeded. the certificate was valid until 21st July 1903.
The original Paddle Steamer Curlip was built by Sam Richardson and his sons Mark, Albert and Frank, at their sawmill at Tabbara, a pioneering settlement on the Brodribb River, a tributary of the Snowy River. Curlip's keel was laid on 14th October 1889 and PS Curlip was launched in 1890. The Paddle Steamer Curlip was designed to travel up and down the Snowy and Brodribb Rivers with essential supplies from coastal ketches and schooners, that plied their trade up and down the coast between Melbourne, Sydney and Tasmania.
The Curlip regularly towed one or two barges and up to five barges loaded with local farming produce and timber for the thriving cities, that was loaded offshore or in the Snowy River estuary, tide and depth permitting, on to the trading vessels.

Significance

This item is associated with the P.S. Curlip and the Richardson family, early Orbost pioneers.

menu

A small white menu with black print. On the front are the details of the event, a state parliamentary party dinner with the Orbost Shire emblem at the top. On the back is the menu and the toast list.

Historical information

This event was held on 12th January, 1916 and was held at the Mechanics' Hall. F.A. Nixon was the Shire President. The toast list included toasts to the king, the commonwealth and state parliaments as well as to the pioneers and old soldiers of East Gippsland.

Significance

program

An orange, paper program with black print. The program and details are inside a black frame. It is for a concert in aid of the Orbost Brass Band.

Historical information

This concert was held in the Mechanics' Institute on Friday, October 16th, 1891 commencing at 8pm. A dance was held after the concert. The secretary at that time was J. McNair.
The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's.
Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall
From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke was a librarian in Orbost for many years. She was the daughter of John Cooke early Brodribb settler. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert)

Significance

The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.

Inscriptions & Markings

ticket

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A small white rectangular paper ticket with black print. It is for the Loyal Orbost Lodge M.U.I.O.O.F. Grand Ball.

Historical information

This ticket was for a grand ball to celebrate the second anniversary of the Loyal Orbost M.U.I.O.O.F. Lodge. It was held in the Mechanics Institute hall on Friday 20th July, 1888. The cost of a single ticket was 5/-. The secretary of the lodge was John Rowe, the first teacher of the state school in Orbost.
From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref Mary Gilbert)
Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF) had its origins in Manchester, England. It was established in Melbourne on 7 December 1840 when Augustus Greeves, a member of the MUIOOF in England, migrated to Australia and formed the first friendly society. In 1840 Manchester Unity IOOF was founded in Victoria.

Significance

Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This was a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits.
This item reflects those times.

Inscriptions & Markings

certificate

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A white paper certificate with black print. It is issued by the Victorian Education Department for the exemption from compulsory attendance for Maurice Clifford. The certificate is printed with hand-written details.

Historical information

This is Certificate No. 5293 and certifies that Maurice Clifford has been educated up to the standard of education required by "The Education Act 1890." It is dated at Briagolong on 26th November, 1894.
Briagolong Primary School was established in 1875 when the town of Briagolong came into being.
Maurice William Clifford was a farmer in Briagolong. He was killed in action at Ypres, Belgium on 4 October, 1917. Having served in the 10th Australian Light Horse, Citizen Military Forces, he enlisted on 22 February 1916 as a private in 37th Battalion D Company.

Significance

The 1890 Act called for all children in Victoria between the ages of 6 and 13 to attend school forty days in each quarter of a year. Section 13 of the Act states that “Two hours before noon on any two days or two hours after noon on any two days” is deemed to be equal to one day's attendance. One of the reasons for exemption from compulsory attendance was if the child lived more than two miles from a school (or two and a half miles if aged 9 or over). If a student had reached a sufficient level of education an exemption could be granted.

program

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A white, rectangular paper program with blak ink. It is for the official opening of the "Orbost Theatre".

Historical information

The official opening of the Obost Theatre was held on 20th August, 1931, opened by Hon. T. Paterson M.H.R. Thomas Paterson was Minister for Markets and Migration from June 1926 to January 1928. He was elected as the Country Party Member for Gippsland in 1922 and held the seat until he retired in 1943. In January 1928 his portfolio was changed to Minister for Markets and in December of that year it was again changed to Minister for Markets and Transport.

Significance

This item is reflective of local community events in the first half of the 20th century.

Inscriptions & Markings

certificate/award

A rectangular, blue card certificate with yellow cord threaded through two small holes at the top centre. Text is black inside a frame. Details of the award are hand-written.

Historical information

Orbost & East Gippsland Agricultural Society held an Autumn Show on 3rd March, 1904. First Prize in Class C Section 21 fot Best Lady Ridrer was awarded to Miss Ross.
Orbost and East Gippsland Agricultural, Pastoral & Horticultural Society held their annual show in the Mechanics' Institute hall in Orrbost on November 16, 1894. First Prize in Class F Section C was awarded to Elsie Price for "six buttonholes (children under 14)". At this time C.N. Henderson was President and Lauchlan Ross was Secretary.
The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904, on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall
Prior to the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show these smaller shows were held in the Mechanics' Institute hall.

Significance

This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century.

Inscriptions & Markings

certificate/award

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A original rectangular white paper certificate. Text is inside a border- all print is black. Details are handwritten.

Historical information

Orbost and East Gippsland Agricultural, Pastoral & Horticultural Society held their annual show in the Mechanics' Institute hall in Orrbost on November 16, 1894. First Prize in Class F Section C was awarded to Elsie Price for "six buttonholes (children under 14)". At this time C.N. Henderson was President and Lauchlan Ross was Secretary.
The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904, on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall
Prior to the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show these smaller shows were held in the Mechanics' Institute hall.
Elsie Price, 1886-1897, was the daughter of David J and Mary Faithfull.

Significance

This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century.

Inscriptions & Markings

memorial document

A memorial extract from the Victorian Parliamentary Debates. It is on white paper with black print, a black border and is tied with black ribbon.

Historical information

This is an extract from the Victorian Parliamentary Debates on Tuesday 18th July, 1922. It is titled "Death of the Honorable James Cameron" and is a tribute from Mr Lawson, the Victorian premier.
In 1882 James Cameron was the first Orbost councillor of the newly constituted Tambo Shire. In the next twenty years he served as justice of the peace, shire councillor, guardian of St James's Anglican Church, Sunday school superintendent and president of the local agricultural society. In 1902 he won a by-election for Gippsland East and took his seat in the Legislative assembly. He serve for eighteen years and his main achievements were securing one million pounds for East Gippsland development bringing the railway to Orbost and establishing the Country Roads Board.

Significance

James Cameron was an early Orbost pioneer, a respected community member and a prominent politician.

account

A white paper account with black ink and blue lines from Haycox & Mc Henry, wholesale and retail butchers to R. Cameron. There is a duty stamp.

Historical information

William Haycox was a wholesale and retail butcher who was a cash buyer of hides, sheepskins and tallow. The Haycox Butcher shop was near the Club Hotel.
Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.

Significance

This item is an example of the book-keeping of an early Orbost business and is a useful research tool.

account

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A small white paper account with black print from Maldon Private Hospital to Mrs Lovell. It has a yellow tax stamp.

Historical information

There were several small private hospitals in Orbost in the early 20th century. Babies were born at these private hospitals and mostly only a midwife attended as the doctor could be away on horseback treating another patient. As the new Orbost and District Hospital ( officially opened June 30th, 1930) developed and its facilities grew private hospitals closed.

Significance

By the 1930's in Victoria there was an increase in the demand for beds in public hospitals by those who found private hospital costs prohibitive and wanted the higher standard of care provided in public hospital . This meant that many small private hospitals closed. Maldon Hospital in Orbost was one of several which could not compete with the new Orbost public hospital.

account

Historical information

E. Swan (of Bairnsdale) purchased the Orbost Tank Factory from Mr E. F. Reynolds. Swan was a tinsmith, coppersmith, plumber, zinc and iron worker who specialised in repairing tanks.
Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.

Significance

This item is an example of the book-keeping of an Orbost business in the early 20th century and is a useful research tool.